Dr. Ernest Rogers is joining the NJSPCA to investigate and solve crimes against animals. And that’s no easy task. Such offenses are often hard to prove, in large part because the victims have no voice and no way to serve as an eyewitness to their own crime. That’s why a forensic vet will be such an asset.

Animal advocates in NJ know that their state needs all the help it can get when it comes to animal cruelty. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Garden State is one of the worst for animal protection laws. It comes in at number 48 in the very bottom tier.

The SPCA thanks shows like Animal Planet’s “Animal Cops” that have raised the profile of animal abuse cases for the new staffing addition.